Disposable tooth cleaning device

ABSTRACT

A disposable tooth cleaning device is disclosed for use with an application member. The device includes a support element having a first and a second surface, and a plurality of bristles project from the first surface of the support element. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on the bristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally, an attachment mechanism is secured to the second surface of the support element and is adapted for releasably securing the support element to an application member for use of the tooth cleaning device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to dental hygiene and, moreparticularly, to a single-use, all incorporated disposable toothbrusharrangement. Specifically, the present invention relates to a disposabletoothbrush that is adapted for use with an applicator member designedfor readily and easily accessing all areas of the teeth during cleaning.

2. Description of the Prior Art

For many years, dentists and oral hygienists have recommended that teethbe brushed after every meal and even snacks. Unfortunately, strictadherence to such a regimen is often difficult when using conventionaltoothbrushes and toothpastes, since these articles are traditionally toolarge and bulky to easily and inconspicuously carry in one's pocket orpurse. For people who work or travel extensively, for airlinepassengers, for hikers or backpackers and many others as well, this isespecially difficult due to the bulkiness and potential mess atoothbrush and a tube of toothpaste can be in such situations. Moreover,trying to convince school age children to carry such items with them toschool and then to use them at school is virtually impossible.

In response to this predicament, there have been many attempts todevelop a low-cost disposable toothbrush that can be carried in a purseor pocket and then discarded after having been used only once to brushone's teeth. While these devices represent improvements over traditionaltoothbrushes and toothpaste for brushing while away from home, theynonetheless tend to have certain limitations and shortcomings inherentin their designs. A number of these devices involve the use of a clip,pad or rigid tube that fits over or onto the end of a finger. Examplesof these devices are illustrated in U.S. Pat. U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,172,U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,428, U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,005, U.S. Pat. No.5,392,482, U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,273, U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,599 and U.S.Pat. No. 6,116,252. Unfortunately, these devices still tend to besomewhat bulky and cumbersome. In addition, they can also be difficultto maneuver as well as keep in proper position when in use.

Other prior art devices are in the form of simply smaller toothbrushesof standard-design as well as kits that include a typical toothbrushdesign made from inexpensive plastic material along with toothpaste ordentifrice. Examples of these are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.2,793,381, U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,420, U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,719, U.S. Pat.No. 5,304,009, U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,059 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,860. Oneof the major problems with these types of designs is that they arealmost as bulky as a standard toothbrush. While these devices offer somereduction in bulk and may tend to eliminate a separate tube oftoothpaste, they are still inconveniently sized packages to carry in apurse or pocket.

Finger mounted toothbrushes that have taken the form of a rolled latexfinger cover that can be unrolled onto a finger have significantadvantages over the above. Examples of such devices include thoseillustrated in U.S. Patents No. 3,368, 668, U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,562,U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,774, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,765, U.S. Pat. No.5,909,739 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,587. Unfortunately, these arrangementsalso have their limitations. For example, the brush portions of suchdevices tend to be exposed to compressive forces that deform and damagethe bristles of the brush. Many can become useless after a period ofstorage time due to the compression of the bristles and the smearing ofthe pre-applied dentifrice. In addition, the bristles of the device tendto slip around on the finger during use, and the typically thin latexcover can be readily torn if used too vigorously. Finally, with thedevices applied to only one finger, the accessibility of certainportions of the mouth is quite difficult. Therefore, there remains aneed in the art for a disposable toothbrush device that overcomes theaforementioned problems, and the present invention addresses and solvesthese particular problems in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide adisposable tooth cleaning device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a disposabletoothbrush adapted to fit over a user's finger and thumb to apply thetoothbrush to one's teeth.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposabletoothbrush adapted to fit over an independent applicator member whichcan be in the form of a pencil or an elongated applicator enclosed withthe toothbrush.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a one-timeuse toothbrush that can be formed from a sheath made of plastic, fabricor treated paper so that it is economically disposable.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly describedherein, a disposable tooth cleaning device is disclosed for use with anapplication member. The device includes a support element having a firstand a second surface, and a plurality of bristles project from the firstsurface of the support element. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed onthe bristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water.Finally, an attachment mechanism is secured to the second surface of thesupport element and is adapted for releasably securing the supportelement to an application member for use of the tooth cleaning device.

In one application of the invention, the support element is in the formof a sheath having a closed end for mounting the bristles and an openend for receiving an application member. In one form of thisapplication, the sheath includes a pair of elongated members each havinga closed end carrying the bristles, the elongated members forming ajoint open end for receiving a pair of application members in the formof an individual's thumb and index finger.

In another form, the attachment mechanism includes a plurality ofgripping elements adapted for removably securing an application memberto the support element second surface. In one aspect of this form, thesupport element sheath includes an extension portion projectingoutwardly from the closed end with the extension portion mounting thebristles. In another aspect, the support element is sized and shaped forremovably securing an application member in the form of a finger or anelongated stick-like member.

Another modification of the invention involves the support element beingin the form of a pad having the bristles disposed on one surfacethereof. In this modification, the attachment mechanism may include atacky-layer for releasable attachment to a finger end. Moreover, thesupport element may be in the form of a pair of such pads for releasableattachment to the ends of an individual's thumb and index finger forcooperative tooth cleaning movement. Alternately, the attachmentmechanism may include a plurality of gripping elements adapted forremovably securing an application member to the support element secondsurface, and the sheath may be made from a variety of materialsincluding latex rubber, injection molded plastic, woven fabric andtreated paper.

Yet another modification of the invention includes a disposable toothcleaning device having a support element. The support element may havefirst and second members with each such member having an outer and aninner surface. A plurality of bristles project from the outer surface ofeach support element member. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on thebristles and is adapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally,an attachment mechanism is secured to the inner surface of each supportelement member and is adapted for releasably securing the first andsecond support element members to an individual's thumb and indexfinger, respectively, for use of the disposable tooth cleaning device.

Still another modification of the invention is in the form of adisposable tooth cleaning device for use with an application member. Thedevice includes a support element having inner and outer surfaces. Aplurality of bristles project from the outer surface of the supportelement. A tooth cleaning agent is disposed on the bristles and isadapted for activation upon contact with water. Finally, an attachmentmechanism is provided in the form of a plurality of gripping elementssecured to the inner surface of the support element and are adapted forreleasably securing the support element to an application member for useof the tooth cleaning device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with a description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective of one embodiment of a disposabletoothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention andillustrating its use with one form of application member;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment ofFIG. 1 and illustrating its use with a finger as an application member;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment ofFIG. 2 mounted on a finger as an application member;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective of an alternate embodiment of a disposabletoothbrush constructed in accordance with the present invention andillustrating its use with one form of application member;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment ofFIG. 4 mounted on the illustrated application member;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of adisposable toothbrush constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and illustrating its position mounted on the hand of a user;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the disposable toothbrush embodiment ofFIG. 6 in an unmounted position;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the disposable toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of yet another disposable toothbrushembodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the disposable toothbrushembodiment of FIG. 9 and illustrating its position mounted on the handof a user;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective of another disposasble toothbrush memberembodiment similar to that of FIG. 4 but illustrating an applicationmember adapted to simultaneously function as a tongue scraper cleaningdevice; and

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a first embodiment of a disposabletoothbrush 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the toothbrush 10includes a support element 12 having a first or outer surface 14 and asecond or inner surface 16. The support element 12 includes a front orclosed end portion 18 and an open end portion 20 opposite the front endportion 18. The open end portion 20 forms an interior receptacle orcavity 22 that extends along a portion of the length of the supportelement 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, or alternatively along theentire length of the support element 12′ as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5.

It should be understood that the support element 12,12′ may be made ofany appropriate material. In preferred form, the material for theelement 12 is injection molded plastic, preferably containing latex orsome other flexible agent. In this manner, the front end portion 18 mayproject outwardly in the form of an elongated plate 24 while providingsome flexibility to the device 10 during use. Alternatively, thepreferred material for the support element 12′ is woven fabric, latexrubber or treated waterproof paper.

The support element 12, 12′ includes a patch of bristles 26 projectingoutwardly from the outer surface 14 proximate the front end portion 18thereof. The bristles 26 are of typical standard design for toothcleaning bristles and include a tooth powder or paste pre-applied and/orimpregnated therein. Any type of appropriate tooth cleaning and/orwhitening agent may be utilized with the present invention.

The interior cavity 22 of the support element 12 includes an attachmentmechanism preferably in the form of a plurality of gripping elements 28disposed along the interior surface 16. In preferred form, the grippingelements 28 are in the form of inclined projections and are designed toremovably retain an applicator element 30 in the cavity 22.Alternatively, any type of roughened surface topography may be utilizedas the gripping elements 28. It should be understood, however, that anytype of member may be used as the gripping element 28 as long as itprovides a sufficiently rough surface to firmly hold the applicatorelement 30 within the receptacle 22 during use of the device 10.

The applicator element 30 may be in the form of a stick-like member 32or a finger 34. The applicator element 32 may be any desired elongatedmember, such as a pencil and the like, or it may be specificallypackaged with the support element 12 for use therewith. When theapplicator element 30 is packaged with the support element 12, it issized for firm fit within the receptacle 22 and is disposable along withthe rest of the device 10. The only requirement for the applicatorelement 30 is that it be of sufficient size to fit within the cavity 22as well as be retained therein during the brushing of teeth with thedevice 10. The applicator element 32 may also include a flossing brush36 positioned at the end thereof opposite the support element 12. Inpreferred form, the flossing brush 36 projects orthogonally outwardlyfrom the applicator element 32.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 preferably includes a receptaclecavity 22 that extends the entire length of the support element 12. Thisarrangement provides a greater length for the applicator element 30 tobe positioned within the support element 12′ for greater leverage whenbrushing the teeth. It also allows for direct application of pressurethrough the bristles 26 to teeth by the applicator element 30. In onemodification of this embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, theapplicator element 30′ may have a dual function. It includes astick-like front portion 32′, similar to that of the previousembodiment, for insertion into a support element 12′. It also includes arear portion 31 having a flat surface 33 and a thin edge 35. The rearportion 31 is preferably in the form of a flat arcuate or curved bladeelement useful for scraping the surface of a tongue to clean anindividual's tongue while also cleaning their teeth. The thin edge 35 isdrawn across the tongue surface to effect the tongue scraping andcleaning action.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of the invention isillustrated herein. In this embodiment, the device 10′ includes asupport element in the form of a sleeve 38. The sleeve 38 includes outerand inner surfaces 40, 42, respectively, and is formed into a pair ofelongated members 44, 46, each of which has a closed distal end portion48, 50, respectively. The elongated members 44, 46 join together to forma single open end portion 52 at the end opposite the distal end portions48, 50. Each distal end portion 48, 50 carries a patch of bristles 54,56, respectively, on the outer surface 40 thereof. The bristle patches54, 56 are preferably arranged opposite each other on their respectiveend portions 48, 50.

The elongated members 44, 46 are sized and shaped to permit a person toinsert their index finger and thumb therein as illustrated in FIG. 6. Inthis manner, the bristle patches 54, 56 are arranged to be positioned onthe inner end pads of the finger and thumb. As in the prior embodiments,a tooth powder or paste is disposed and impregnated into the bristlepatches 54, 56. An attachment mechanism in the form of gripping elements28 is disposed along the interior surface 42 of each elongated member44, 46 and function in the same manner as the gripping elements 28 ofthe previous embodiments, i.e. to assist in maintaining the device 10′in position on the applicator member which in this embodiment is in theform of a person's index finger and thumb. In this manner, theindividual wearing the device 10′ may easily reach all areas of theirteeth in their mouth without having to twist and convolute their hand asin the prior art devices having only a single sheath carried on onefinger.

The material for the sheath 38 may be selected from any appropriatematerial and is preferably made from fabric, preferably woven,latex-containing plastic, or treated paper. The treated paper must betreated to be waterproof and must be of sufficient strength to preventtearing during use of the device 10′

Referring now to FIGS. 9-10, an alternate form of the above embodimentof FIGS. 6-8 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the device 10″ is inthe form of a pair of pads 60. Each pad 60 includes a support element 62sized and shaped to cover the finger or thumb pad of a person using thedevice. The support element 62 includes an outer surface 64 whichcarries a bristle patch 66 thereon. As in the prior embodiments, thebristle patch 66 includes is impregnated with a tooth powder or paste.The pad 62 also includes an inner surface 68 which carries an attachmentmechanism preferably in the form of a tacky layer 70. The tacky layer 70is designed to enable a person to removably adhere the inner surface 68to their index finger and thumb and temporarily retain them in positionduring use of the device 10″. Once the pair of pads 62 are in positionon the individual's finger and thumb, the person utilizes the device 10″in a manner similar to that of the device 10′ of the FIGS. 6-8embodiment:

As can be seen from the above, the present invention provides aninexpensive and convenient disposable tooth cleaning device. The presentinvention is adapted to be utilized with an applicator member in theform of a separate stick or a person's index finger and thumb. In eitherevent, the present invention permits a person to easily clean theirteeth without having to twist and convolute their hand to reach allareas of the mouth. Moreover, the present invention is constructed formmaterials which, although inexpensive to manufacture, are nonetheless ofsufficient strength to withstand the vigorous movement a person makeswith the device to accomplish tooth cleaning tasks. Finally, the presentinvention is compact and avoids the bulk and mess of certain prior artdisposable toothbrushes.

The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in detail in varying modificationsand alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that theforegoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, andthat the scope of the present invention is to be limited to the claimsas interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

1. A disposable tooth cleaning device for use with an applicationmember, said device comprising: a support element having first andsecond surfaces; a plurality of bristles projecting from the firstsurface of said support element; a tooth cleaning agent disposed on saidbristles and adapted for activation upon contact with water; and anattachment mechanism secured to the second surface of said supportelement and adapted for releasably securing said support element to anapplication member for use of said device.
 2. The device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said support element comprises a sheath having a closedend for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving anapplication member.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidsheath comprises a pair of elongated members each having a closed endcarrying said bristles, said elongated members forming a joint open endfor receiving a pair of application members in the form of anindividual's thumb and index finger.
 4. The device as claimed in claim2, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of grippingelements adapted for removably securing an application member to saidsupport element second surface.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 4,wherein said support element sheath includes an extension portionprojecting outwardly from said closed end, said extension portionmounting said bristles.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 4, whereinsaid support element is sized and shaped for removably securing anapplication member in the form of a finger or an elongated stick-likemember.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said supportelement comprises a pad having said bristles disposed on one surfacethereof.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said attachmentmechanism comprises a tacky layer for releasable attachment to a fingerend.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said support elementcomprises a pair of said pads for releasable attachment to the ends ofan individual's thumb and index finger for cooperative tooth cleaningmovement.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said attachmentmechanism comprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted forremovably securing an application member to said support element secondsurface, and Wherein said sheath is made from materials selected fromthe group consisting of latex rubber, injection molded plastic, wovenfabric and treated paper.
 11. A disposable tooth cleaning devicecomprising: a support element having first and second members with saidmember having an outer and an inner surface; a plurality of bristlesprojecting from the outer surface of each said support element member; atooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adapted foractivation upon contact with water; and an attachment mechanism securedto the inner surface of each said support element member and adapted forreleasably securing said first and second support element members to anindividual's thumb and index finger, respectively, for use of saiddevice.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein each said firstand second support element members comprises a sheath having a closedend for mounting said bristles and an open end for receiving anindividual's finger or thumb.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 12,wherein said first and second support element members form a joint openend for receiving an individual's thumb and index finger therein. 14.The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said attachment mechanismcomprises a plurality of gripping elements adapted for removablysecuring an individual's index finger and thumb to said support elementmembers inner surfaces.
 15. The device as claimed in claim 11 whereineach said support element member comprises a pad having said bristlesdisposed on the outer surface thereof, and wherein said attachmentmechanism comprises a tacky layer for releasable attachment to a fingeror thumb end for cooperative tooth cleaning movement.
 16. A disposabletooth cleaning device for use with an application member, said devicecomprising: a support element having inner and outer surfaces; aplurality of bristles projecting from the outer surface of said supportelement; a tooth cleaning agent disposed on said bristles and adaptedfor activation upon contact with water; and an attachment mechanism inthe form of a plurality of gripping elements secured to the innersurface of said support element and adapted for releasably securing saidsupport element to an application member for use of said device.
 17. Thedevice as claimed in claim 16, wherein said support element comprises asheath having a closed end for mounting said bristles and an open endfor receiving said application member.
 18. The device as claimed inclaim 17, wherein said support element is sized and shaped for removablysecuring an application member in the form of a finger.
 19. The deviceas claimed in claim 17, wherein said support element is sized and shapedfor removably securing an application member in the form Of an elongatedstick-like member, one end of said stick-like member including a toothflossing brush projecting outwardly therefrom.
 20. The device as claimedin claim 19, wherein said device includes said elongated stick-likeapplication member having a front portion for attachment to said supportelement, and a rear portion in the form of a flat, curved blade adaptedto scrape the surface of an individual's tongue to clean the same.